How to maintain the suspension system

Very many motorists look at the suspension system as being useful for a comfortable ride of the occupants of the motor vehicle only. That comes as a bonus but not the real reason. The suspension system is used to maintain a relationship between the wheels and the body or frame. The suspension system interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control. Because of that relationship, the two are normally discussed together.

In its normal working operation, the suspension system helps absorb the pressures of the road irregularities like potholes and helps maintain vehicle stability. The steering system only transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear to control the car’s direction.

Over time, even the steering system and the suspension system wear out and require replacement. While it takes a bit of time, with our poor roads, the situation requires regular checks and should any problem be identified, it should be rectified immediately. The normal tear will normally show characteristics like pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear, loss of control, noise and vibration during turning.

Although wear is a normal process of age, it may be accelerated by poor driving habits, operating conditions, type of steering and suspension on the car, frequency of regular maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment.

Whenever there is a down pour, most of Kampala is flooded. Driving through such floods is inevitable. As you drive through the floods, several things are washed out of your suspension. While all the dirt that is normally embedded there is washed away, any leaking places of oil or grease is also contaminated with the dirty water.

Worn out tie rod ends will normally feel the effect of driving through floods. The dust boot, which normally holds grease, if not tightly fixed will also allow the grease to escape. The moment grease escapes; there is metal to metal contact. This increases the wear due to friction. You will therefore require replacing those parts if vehicle handling is to be maintained.

For the suspension, the main instability comes from the stabilizer bar. The bushes, while they are fairly cheap, will cause a lot of instability and poor vehicle handling. It is therefore important to check and replace the bushes. Where the bushes are worn, it will require a lot of concentration by the driver to keep the vehicle on course. Most drivers with vehicles in such a state will come out with pain in one of the shoulders that will have resisted the pull.

When checking out the suspension system, the tyre pressure should be first checked. The tyres should preferably be the same if you are to get the right diagnosis. Tyre pressure can cause a vehicle to pull to one side. If you pass through floods, it is good practice to go to a service pit and have bushes sprayed with oil. The oil will reduce the friction in the bushes. The squeaks and noise will also reduce.

The shock absorbers are also part of the suspension system but there are times when you require only the bushings, but some technicians will advise you to change the shock absorbers.

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Thanks Wakabi
written by Lakwena, February 03, 2010

Thank you Daudi Wakabi, we are with you. Keep up the invaluable motor vehicle maintenance tips.

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written by Rugangura, February 06, 2010

Thank you David. The number one enemy of suspension is wearing of dust protecting rubber boots. When they are torn , water, and dust will always find the way to the delicate moving parts that are protected.

This accelerates the friction rate and threfore failure. The Rubber boots are fairly cheap and car owners should make sure all the time checking after a trip. or before trip. Most of the suspension parts are durable so longer as are well looked after.I.E Greasing,oiling and of cause Dust Rubber boots replacement.. Thank you..